Page 47 of Lost Love Found

Four days later on set, I’m a ball of nerves. Elaina and I are flying to Hawaii in a couple of days, and we’ve missed one another every day since that kiss. She’s been busy with something, but we haven’t even had a chance to talk about it. We’ll be in Hawaii for a week, and she’ll be meeting everyone on my dad’s side of the family. That’s over 20 cousins, my parents, my sister, niece and nephew and Gramps. It’s a lot, and I hope it doesn’t overwhelm her.

A familiar ping comes from my phone, and I turn it over, seeing the picture she sent me when she was in Paris. She’s so beautiful, laughing, with her hair blowing in the wind. It’s exactly the way I picture her in my mind.

Hey Sugar Ray. How you doing?

Today’s song: “Strike up the band and make the fireflies dance, silver moon’s sparkling”

ADAM

Sugar Ray? Lol nice

Great song, but I have a different favorite line ;)

“Said I’m fortunate to have you, girl. I want you to know I really adore you”

And I really do, L.

I miss you.

Her response doesn’t come right away and I get a little nervous. Was that too much? Fuck it I don’t care. She just shared a song with me called “Kiss Me.” She can’t be surprised I’m basically admitting to her that I have feelings for her.

Fuck, this is the longest wait ever!

Finally, I see the three little dots.

You have a thing for Usher I should know about, Holm?

I miss you too.

“Who’s got you smiling all goofy like that? Kidding, I already know it’s Lainey.” Raf walks into my trailer with a big goofy smile of his own. “Have you talked to Owen yet about what’s going on with you two?”

I sigh. The mention of talking to Owen about me fake dating his sister doesn’t exactly bring on warm and fuzzy feelings. “No, I haven’t seen him, but I know L’s talked to him.”

“Who did Lainey talk to?” And in walks the man of the hour. Owen and I are both 6’4” but he’s even wider than I am, so his presence feels significantly more imposing.

“Oh good. You’re early. I’ll see you guys later!” Raf just about skips out of the trailer, mouthing good luck to me before he disappears. Of course, he set this up.

“Hey, Owen. Uh, I know Elaina talked to you about this whole fake dating situation.” I scratch the back of my neck. “I wanted to talk to you about it too and clear some things up.” He scowls and crosses his arms, but continues to wait for me to speak. “I know it’s not ideal. She insisted, even though I didn't want her to do it. And we’ve talked about boundaries. She knows I will never do anything she’s not comfortable with. I need you to know that, too.” His eyes remain on me, but he uncrosses his arms.

“I know, man. She only has good things to say about you. And I’ve worked with you long enough now to see for myself that you’re a decent guy.” He takes off his baseball hat and puts it back on. “You’ve been a good friend to her. I just need you to be honest with me about something. Can you do that?” He furrows his brow and holds my gaze, his green eyes unblinking. I feel like he can see right into my soul. It’s fucking terrifying.

“Of course.” What am I getting myself into?

“Do you have feelings for my little sister? More than just friendly feelings?” He’s scratching his chin and still looking at me like he’s reading every micro expression of mine. He and Raf are a lot alike that way.

I let out a deep breath, scratch the back of my neck again and look back up at him. “Yes.” No use in sugar-coating it.

We just stand there, both stunned by my admission, or not stunned at all, just unsure of what should come next.

“Good. OK. She probably won’t make this easy for you, but that’s only because she has a hard time letting people in. Just…don’t give up on her.” He opens his mouth to say something else but seems to change his mind.

“I won’t, Owen.”

He nods, rubbing a hand cross his jaw and looking slightly awkward. “I haven’t seen her this happy in a long time, and I know you have a lot to do with that.” He nods, as if to himself.

“It has a lot to do with you, too, Owen. She admires you so much. You being around… it’s made her really happy.” This conversation might be going into uncomfortable territory, but Owen is the most important man in Laney’s life. He should know that.

“I guess we both better make sure she stays happy then.” He raises an eyebrow at me and extends his hand. “None of this leaves this trailer.”

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