Page 102 of Princes of Hollywood

“I’m sure if Mason had a part, he’d offer it to you.” Rita’s sweet voice has always grated on my nerves. She has a tendency to try to fix things that aren’t broken.

“Dear, maybe you’ve had enough to drink,” Sawyer says softly.

“Mmm, the champagne is really divine. Don’t you think so, Mase?” Rita’s green eyes latch onto me. If Sawyer is like a father to me, Rita definitely plays the part of the evil stepmother. She likes to twist conversations and situations to suit her. But she plays at being nice so well that not everyone sees it.

“I like to stay clearheaded, but the champagne was good.” I switched to sparkling water an hour ago.

Siobhan walks out of the house over to where we are. She’s stiff. “Grey, I’d like to go now.”

He grins that affable grin of his. “Siobhan, come sit with me. We’re talking movies and champagne.”

Siobhan’s eyes flit to me for a moment. “Grey.”

He shakes his head. “The woman wants what the woman wants. It was a pleasure talking with you all. Mason, I hope to hear from you on future projects. We should really work together sometime.”

I nod as he stands. Siobhan glances at me, almost in embarrassment, before she turns and heads out. Greyson hurries to catch up. A couple of clingers wander away since Greyson is gone.

“Siobhan, such an odd name. Oh, what was the petite thing’s name, Sawyer? The girl at the front?” Rita almost tips her glass, but Sawyer grabs it at the last minute. “It was so unusual for someone her age.”

“Greer?” I offer, only knowing one petite thing that was at the door.

“Yes.” Rita grins and touches Sawyer’s arm. “So unique. And just a little doll.”

“How does Aiden know her?” Sawyer meets my gaze with his unreadable eyes and a voice that almost sounds like he’s bored and searching for a subject to talk about.

The thing is I know Sawyer. I know he stays with Rita out of loyalty, but that she often drinks too much so he has to leave her at home. I know he has a woman he sees frequently named Mary. Even met her a time or two. Very nice woman.

I also know when he’s interested and wants to seem uninterested, like now. With Greer. And that makes me curious.

“She works for us.” I also know that if he’s going to fish, I’m not giving him all the answers until he throws in his largest bait. The remaining couple sitting with us leaves when someone calls them over.

“What happened to that Michael guy?” Sawyer sets Rita’s glass on a passing tray. The dark-haired female server keeps moving like nothing happened, leaving me, Rita, and Sawyer alone.

“Michael decided he could make more money offering Aiden drugs.” I glance around the party and see Roarke. Then Zoe and the two guys. But not Aiden, Wyatt, and Greer. My gaze lifts to Greer’s room. Her lights are out, but Aiden’s room is on the other side of the house.

“How do you know this girl will be any better?” Sawyer asks. His wording is careful.

“What do you really want to know, Brick?” I breathe out and meet his dark eyes. “And why are you so interested in Greer?”

“Such an unusual name.” Rita smiles. “You don’t hear it much these days.”

Sawyer winces. “I think it’s time we went home, dear.”

Taking the easy way out.

“But the champagne is lovely.” She looks around for her glass but can’t find it. She lifts her hand like she’s going to call over a server, but Sawyer takes her hand instead.

He gives me an apologetic smile. “We’ll talk this week.”

Rising with them, I follow leisurely as he takes her into the house to leave. It’s not uncommon for Rita to focus on one thing, but Sawyer usually tries to redirect the conversation, not lean into it.

His interest in Greer makes me wonder how he could know her. Greer also looked warily at Sawyer a couple of times.

“Mase!”

I turn to find Zoe walking toward me. The two guys follow after her.

“Zoe.” I nod when she reaches me.

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